I could not wait to get out of there and leave this review, and I'm shocked that I actually sat through my meal there. Let me start by saying that the food is not bad, and if it weren't for the obnoxious and crude waitress it may have been more enjoyable. There were 2 bartenders/waitresses, and only one appeared to actually be working. The younger one (Ann) was too concerned with drinking, chatting with customers, and dancing all over some guy who appeared to be the cook. Unfortunately, we had to sit at the bar because when we were seated outside we were forgotten about. Ann was talking to the couple next to us using the most foul and inappropriate sexual language, screaming disgusting things across the bar, and making sexual gestures while mixing drinks. We will never go back, and I would not ever recommend this place to anyone. If you have children stay far far away. Ann, wash your mouth out with soap and learn how to behave appropriately in public settings. read more

Had lunch with family. It was our first time there. It's a funky cozy dive. Our waitress was super nice. The Rhode Island chowder was good. I also got a side salad with a crab cake. The crab cake was flavorful but small. Overall it was decent. I don't think I would rush back, but it was interesting. read more

Rustic Cafe - Music Venues Near Me - East Lyme, Connecticut

Terrible service from a foul-mouthed, bartender/waitress named Ann. She sat us outside on the patio but apparently forgot about us. After waiting for quite some time for her to return and take our orders, we decided to relocate to the bar. The other bartender eventually noticed us and took our orders. While we waited for our food, we were treated to Ann's lovely antics, which included shouting, swearing, and crude gestures while interacting with customers. I'm pretty sure she was completely drunk. I really don't know how she's employed in the food service industry! She may have thought she was being fun, but it was just downright embarrassing to watch her. Our food eventually showed up and it was decent. But nothing could save this place from its atrocious customer service! Save your time and money and go somewhere else. read more

I have seen this place as other names in the years I've lived in Connecticut, but never tried it. It's on the Boston Post Road right after Four Mile River Road in East Lyme (right past the border with Old Lyme). Today, having heard that the Rustic Cafe is wonderful from friends we trust, we took a short drive to try it out for ourselves. The place is tiny, definitely rustic! The decor is charming, perhaps only five or six tables and a busy bar. We couldn't help but notice that everyone was laughing and having a great time when we arrived. The menu has sandwiches and burgers; a lot of fried seafood specialties. We followed our waitress' suggestion and ordered three lunch specials to share (there were three of us!): fried scallops, fried clams, and fish and chips. All were served with fries. The fish was DELICIOUS! Fresh, crunchy, not greasy in the least. The fries were terrific. There was cole slaw and tartar sauce on each plate, too. Fabulous lunch treats. Total for three of us was $28. We had a wonderful time there, and especially enjoyed listening to the chef yak with his friends at the bar. Great fun. We are eager to stop by for happy hour one afternoon. read more

Walked in, waited forever, asked about seating, sat, no one came....so we left. Worst experience.

My friends, fiancée and I wanted some good seafood after visiting the Book Barn in East Lyme and I found this restaurant on Yelp. Upon arriving we were told we couldn't sit at our desired table because it was a 5-top and we were a party of 4. The shortest individual in our group is 5'10" and we were crammed near the front door. I can understand this if the establishment had been busy, however we were one of three parties. The food options looked amazing, however the menu was confusing to read and we didn't end up ordering anything past a beer each due to the overwhelming feeling of unwelcome. Upon making our first drink order, the waitress walked away right after asking us what we were having and didn't listen to our responses. When I asked if we could sit on the deck instead of inside I was met with a sour attitude and I was corrected that it wasn't a "deck" but a "patio" and "I guess if that's what you desire." We then attempted to order our entrees and the waitress replied for us that "we needed to wait because she was going to take drink orders" from the most recent party first. That is when we decided as a group to choose to not order food and eat at another establishment. This was the only person working as a server. read more

Great food. Had a lobster roll and sweet potato wedges. Bartender was friendly and nice. read more

Rustic Cafe - Lobster roll - Music Venues Near Me - East Lyme, Connecticut

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Interesting, blink and you'll miss it kind of spot. Servers were friendly, and the place was jammed (not hard considering it's the size of most people's garages). Food was tasty, fresh, and HOT which is always appreciated. Would go back. read more

So glad we found this place. Cute little place with amazing food. I got a black bean burger with green chile mayo. My husband got fried scallop basket. Really amazing coffee. Theresa runs the whole show, and does it all without breaking a sweat! It's the kind of place where you talk to your neighboring tables. Great find! Oh, and don't forget the garlic fries... Amazing! read more

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I ordered the fried lobster roll. My date ordered the shrimp special on toast points. First and for most when I received the hot roll my date told the bartender that she believed that I ordered the fried lobster roll. Why, Bc I talked about ordering it before I even sat down. Plus she pays attention to others. The bartender immediately looked at me and stated that I ordered the lobster roll not the fried roll. She held on with much convention and accused me of this crime twice. Without blinking her eyes. Working in the culinary industry, I was floored. I also was not arguing and simply said that I would not bet on that comment. I ate the sad lobster went on my way. My date order some deep fried shrimp over "toast points" smothered in two different hot sauces. She enjoys the spicy foods. The toast points were bunny bread. Lol. Also the dish was just spicy. No flavor at all. The people that work in the kitchen should master the burger and one other item. Slash the rest of the menu since the team is not skilled at being creative. The lobster bisque was probably homemade since I have the Blount bisque and it's much better. This soup probably has lobster base it since it was only $8. Also the lobster meat is processed in a robocoupe or other food processing machine until the lobster meat is destroyed. Hand cut the lobster meat. The Lobster is the star of the dish. I would never again but I understand why people support the place. There are not many places within a 15 minute drive. And the bartender has trash guest relation skills read more

All in all this place had a very good vibe the company was second to none. Service was a little delayed but it was also definitely on the busy side. After our order was taken the food came out very quickly and we were both satisfied with our meals. Clean and semi loud. Over all I would come back but I live far away. read more

This place was great! We stopped in for a beer and a bite on our way home from a kids free day. This place deserves all their great reviews. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, and the service is outstanding. The ladies at the bar were wonderful, and whoever was back in the kitchen knew their stuff. Yum! Chowder, birgers, clam strips.... mmmmmm. We will definitely be back! read more

Don't be fooled by the outside appearance. The food is fantastic! The inside is small but quaint. We ate on the outside patio and had the scallop roll and the shrimp crostini. Prices are very reasonable. Definitely a good find and we'll be back. read more

My wife and I enjoyed delicious lobster and whole belly clam rolls washed down with excellent winter larger. If you're looking for great personalized service in a warm, cozy atmosphere, you will not be disappointed with this restaurant. My daughter lives near by in Old Lime and told us about Rustic Cafe. She had taken a friend and her husband who spoke highly of the quality of the food, atmosphere and service. I totally agree! read more

This is the best spot in Lyme. We moved here from NYC and feel welcome with our kids or when we come in for a drink to chat with the locals. The people who work here are smart, sweet and fun...and they run a tight ship. Can't recommend this place enough...ignore anything you read about them discriminating. As a Hispanic woman, I feel welcomed and at home here. read more

Rustic Cafe - Bar shot - Music Venues Near Me - East Lyme, Connecticut

Always loved this place. Great food, great crowd, decent vibe. Location is out of the way from most places and convenient as hell if you're in East Lyme. I like the burgers and of course the beer, but they have everything from seashore fare to traditional bar food and light dinner items. They sometimes have entertainment and that can be hit or miss but when it's on it's amazing! Don't drive by this one if you're looking for a regular stop on your way through or if you live in the area. read more

we found this little place while driving between Cape Cod and New York. The food selections were interesting and well done, and I loved the homestyle, almost dive-y feel. This loses a star for the service. Wait staff was inattentive, slow and unfriendly. Looks like the regulars were treated well but visitors like us... ignored. We weren't even asked if we wanted a second drink, coffee, nothing. So strange for a bar to not even try to get you to drink more! read more

Had a delicious lunch! Service was great, so friendly and inviting. The place warm, cozy and perfectly decorated for the season. We can't wait to go back read more

The top of my must-list when I'm back in town. The standard menu is done right, (my go-to is the fish and chips) and the specials are always something to look forward to. The owner, Steph, will remember you and what you like- enough to show you when there's something new and up your alley on the drink menu (she also has never been wrong). All in all, exactly what you want in a local haunt. Pro-tip: you will not regret trying the picklebacks. read more

Disappointing dinner, stopped based on good reviews. Took about 15 Minutes to get served and when the waitress finally came over we asked if we could put our food order in at the same time as our drink order. She said no because she had to cash someone else out, not really sure why that matters? Finally took our order another five minutes later and food took roughly 30 minutes to come out. 2 lobster rolls and a plain turkey sandwich, not exactly complicated. She never checked on us, and the lobster roll was one of the worst I've ever had. It's clear they cater to the local crowd because everyone who came in that they knew was served drinks and food right away, offered shots, and checked on regularly. We asked for the check and it was tossed on the table. We will not be back. read more

Little wooden cabin but inside is the best seafood you'll ever find. We had shrimp basket and scallop basket and it was delicious. Fresh seafood paired with yummy light flavorful crispy breading. And large shrimp and scallops too! Yum! Waitress was quick and efficient too. read more

Rustic Cafe - Music Venues Near Me - East Lyme, Connecticut

Imagine 5 lost souls on their way back to NYC, stuck in impossible traffic. Stomachs grumbling. Where to, where to? Turn on Yelp with whatever little data we have left. There's a Rustic Cafe. it's open late. It's got food. Let's go. This was the highlight of our drive back. Seems like a very local place but also a popular for those who are commuting on the highway. Very cheap prices for delicious New England fare including lobster roll, clam roll, the like. Really happy with everything we got. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, really. Service was a little slow, but other than that, a great adventure. read more

OK. I needed some Heinekens and a bacon cheeseburger. With a side of jalapenos for strategic placement within their wonderful burger. No disappointment! Heinekens refreshed on cue, burger delivered hot and juicy with all that I needed to dive in! Pure joy! read more

Local very small bar/ food place. They serve local food and drinks. They had Mardi gra specials when we were there. I had a margarita that was huge. The service was very good and the food was good. We spoke with the table next to us and they said all the food they had was excellent. This place is very very small. read more

The food was fast, delicious, and hot. Our server was very friendly and not over friendly. My burger was cooked exactly as I asked and was very mucho delisioso. read more

My go to for late night when I was younger. Live karaoke and great bar food. Open late which is rare around here.

We happened on the place as we were avoiding a traffic jam on I-95. the food was very good, my wife enjoyed the lobster roll, the people were very friendly and helpful. Definately will go back again Upon thinking it over it is a very good place to stop for food, adult beverage and friendship read more

Fabulous food! Grouchy service--but it's not charming, only annoying. Small but cozy. Wonderful beers. Really like this place and its menu. A great local favorite. read more

We absolutely love this place! The food is always very fun and creative and flavor is on point. Also affordable prices. If you like scallops, I would highly recommend the fried scallop roll, it's probably the best I've ever had. Only thing I wish is that they'd knock down a wall and extend the place. It's cute but extremely claustrophobia inducing. It's also difficult to get more than 3 people at a table, I'd recommend lunch time because dinner gets so crowded that you can barely move. Probably it's only downside though. read more

Great ambiance. Dined inside on monster burger, Rhode Island clam chowder and corn bread I was wowed by the food and service. I suggest some pepper for the clam chowder as they do not salt or pepper their food. Enjoy enjoy read more

I love this place the food is awesome ! Staff is friendly and knowledgeable! So pleased

After trying a few of the bigger restaurants in the area, we chose Rustic Cafe for last night at the beach. It was a great choice. Three of us had some version of the fried chicken- it was fantastic. Including the fried chicken and soft pretzel appetizer! The fourth person in our group had scallops; they were amazing. The owner stopped by our table for a chat. The place is small; we were lucky to get a table. Now I know why. We'll definitely be back! read more

It's hard enough traveling with a toddler but when your waitress offers to get her own booster seat from her car that's going above and beyond. She obviously knew the struggle with her own kids!! Customer service is excellent here!! Food was pretty good, your basic pub food, great stop for on the road. read more

What a great find! Awesome beer delicious food 5 min from the highway. Thank you!!!!!

Great food, super friendly bartender. Cozy little divey joint. Made a couple Minnesotans feel right at home.

This is a great local hang out spot. I come here often to see old friends and always make new ones. The bartenders are friendly and easy to talk to ...and always great bar food from the kitchen! read more

Food was decent ... but man the staff can be down right rude .... I've never been anywhere I was made to feel i was an inconvenience to the server ... a face so sour it was off putting . Even though the food was decent I won't bother going back ... too many other places to choose from . read more

Great place, very cozy and always great staff and great food! Gota get the pickle shot!! I know it sounds weird but it's very yummy.

Not an imitation, a nostalgic American road house! An intimate dining experience with a friendly and attentive and waitress/bartender anxious to ensure our satisfaction. The eclectic menu featured some unusual fare as well as typical comfort food choices, and an impressive craft beer as well as cans and bottles selection. My meal was simple, cooked to perfection and tasty, among one of the best dinners "out" that I have had this year! read more

Second time here. First time was awesome last year. Friend and I meet in the middle, 1.5 hour travel time for each of us. Walked into establishment, and asked about gas smell? Immediately, waitress bartender responded, "septic was just pumped, I told the owner and we said open the windows, but I said no way, it's too cold." Then we ordered, burger (medium) with fries. Got a raw burger and about 8 fries. And no straws! We don't use straws. The outside of the establishment is not impressive, but many great "holes in the wall", are great in everything else they do. Different waitress then in October 2018. Waitress was nice, but appeared to not have the best of the skill sets for the position and the cook appears to think it's fine to have raw hamburger served by waitresses to customers. We decided to go elsewhere in May. This review is not intended to be malicious in nature, but a wake up call on what your customers experience is like. Good luck! read more